39th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in Manila

epa01099429 Chinese Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai listens during a press briefing at the 39th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting at Shangrila Makati City, Manila’s Financial district, Philippines on 26 August 2007. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urged the ASEAN members to enhance trade relations with key partners, a government statement said Saturday. Arroyo said the rise of China as an economic power should be viewed as an opportunity, not a threat . “China’s remarkable rise reflects the promise and challenge of the world in which we live,” she said. “We see their dramatic growth lifting millions out of poverty and springing their nation squarely onto the world stage as a new global power.” EPA/DENNIS M. SABANGAN